| Patachitra is a distinct art form that originated in Orissa. It is mainly based on the religious paintings that revolve around Lord Jagannath at Puri's famous Jagannath Temple. Patachitra makes use of bold and vibrant colors and is painted by a community of artists in Orissa called Chitrakars.
Patachitra or pata painting originated in the 12th century and received considerable patronage by kins and rulers. In the 16th century, with the emergence of the Bhakti Movement, the paintings of Radha and Krishna were included in shades of orange, red and yellow. There are important scenes that are depicted in most pata paintings such as Krishna and the gopis, elephants, trees, creepers, flowers, etc in bright colors. Krishna in blue with the gopis in shades of pink purple, wheat and brown with a touch up of gold and silver colors is another significant painting that is celebrated in patachitra art.
The technique for painting a pata chitra requires skill and dedication. The artist uses fine brushes made from the hair of a mongoose or rat or coarse brushes made from the buffalo's neck. Keya plants were also used for drawing thick lines.
- It is created using a cotton cloth
- The cloth piece is given a coating of gum that is derived from tamarind seeds.
- Another piece of cloth is given a coating of gum
- On the front portion of the dried cloth, a layer of soap stone powder and tamarind paste mix is applied. Then, the canvas is burnished by rubbing coarse grain and polished stones.
- Once the cloth pieces dry, they are cut into the desired size and smoothened on both sides which render a shine.
- The painting is then done on the surface by using colors that are derived from vegetables and minerals.
- Once completed, a protective lacquer glaze called jausala is put on the painting.
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